The Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, welcomed the delegations participating in the 9th Ministerial Meeting of the Forum of Ancient Civilizations at the National Gallery, which is being held this year in Athens.

The country representatives were given a guided tour of the Gallery by Director General Syrago Tsiara and had the opportunity to enjoy performances by the Children’s Choir of the National Opera.

The Forum’s proceedings are taking place today at the Acropolis Museum, with participation from member states of the Forum, represented at a high level by: the Minister of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, the Minister of Culture of the Italian Republic, the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities of the Republic of Iraq, the Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Cyprus, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, the Director General of Cultural Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Peru, as well as the Ambassador of the Plurinational State of Bolivia. Cyprus, Mexico, and India are participating as observer countries.

The focus of the Meeting centers on two main thematic areas set by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture: addressing the climate crisis and its impact on cultural heritage, and combating the illegal trafficking of cultural goods. Within the framework of the discussions, the Athens Declaration is expected to be adopted, further strengthening international cooperation for the protection, promotion, and enhancement of global cultural heritage, while reaffirming the commitment of participating states to fostering dialogue and mutual understanding.